Computers, jinns, adventure, philosophy, and romance in a story that's as timely as it is eternal. The characters are engaging and the writing is deliComputers, jinns, adventure, philosophy, and romance in a story that's as timely as it is eternal. The characters are engaging and the writing is delightful!...more
Wow, I never want to meet a fer-de-lance, and now I know why. Preston's vivid description of the jungle around La Mosquitia was transporting and I actWow, I never want to meet a fer-de-lance, and now I know why. Preston's vivid description of the jungle around La Mosquitia was transporting and I actually pulled my feet up onto my chair as I read about the cockroaches covering the jungle floor at night. His discussion of post-excursion disease was also riveting. But the book was uneven. The first third or so was a slow moving account of Spanish exploration and the preparation for the archaeological expedition to find the lost city. If the book had been divided into clearly labeled parts (like history and preparation; the expedition; the aftermath: microbes and men), I would more happily have followed the reading rather than wondering where it was going. I was also disappointed that Preston's strong warnings at the end felt tacked on rather than central to his narrative. And I'm really annoyed at the title -- the city had other names as well and some indigenous groups have protested calling it the City of the Monkey God, but a monkey god probably sells more books than a white city (La Ciudad Blanca). ...more
These stories with a feminist perspective put the horror back into fairy tales. My favorite in the collection is the very short chapter "Erl-King." UnThese stories with a feminist perspective put the horror back into fairy tales. My favorite in the collection is the very short chapter "Erl-King." Unlike many of the stories that drip with blood, this one has more subtle terrors skillfully evoked by Carter's pitch-perfect writing....more
This Alaskan legend is a beautiful, inspiring story of how two old women rise to meet a challenge, learn about themselves, and teach their tribe. It'sThis Alaskan legend is a beautiful, inspiring story of how two old women rise to meet a challenge, learn about themselves, and teach their tribe. It's easy to read in one sitting -- which is a good thing, because I couldn't put it down once I started it!...more
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